The Memorial Weekend Picnic

The boys explore what's left of the beach.

Okay - a thousand thanks to Mom for suggesting we do something crazy in spite of the circumstances and have a picnic at the park this weekend!! Not only did we really enjoy the change of pace and the happiness of giving the kids some good memories -- but it just feels so good to have actually carried out a plan... It's just what we needed.

The kids practice posing for the camera.

We're all home now and completely exhausted. This is a good thing -- children are more likely to take naps when they've been out in the heat for a few hours. Woo!!

Emily stayed cool and had a blast.

You know I still couldn't help but notice the broken pier and the missing park benches and picnic tables... the playground which has been cleared away.. the slab where the pavillion once stood... The small debris still imbedded in the beach sand... But this afternoon - looking out from under the oaks at the glittering water - I realized we're still home.